the sixteenth of july

july 16th.  one year ago we boarded a plane heading for china.  heading for bella. 

july 16th.  two years ago we announced to friends our plans to adopt.

july 16th.  three years ago bella was abandoned by her biological parents.

we didn't know the reasons behind her abandonment.  we thought we'd never know.  however, many of you remember from our trip last summer, the note shared with us by our guide.  (video-you tube link included below).  we knew a note had been left, but thought it only contained her birthdate.  we had no idea how much more it held until arriving in china. this note was a gift.  a gift for us and for our bella.  we found out her parents left her in love.  their words, "we were not willing to see her staying in pain..." have tunneled deep in my heart.  oh, how i love this man and woman who left baby girl out of pain, out of need, out of love.  i only wish i could put my arms around them this july 16th and tell them...show them...this baby girl.  this happy and healthy and whole baby girl.  i wish they could see the beauty risen out of painful ashes. 

"He has sent me to bind up the 
brokenhearted...to proclaim freedom for
captives...to release prisoners from
darkness....to comfort  all who mourn and
to provide for those who grieve in Zion --
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes...the oil of joy instead
of mourning... and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair."
~ isaiah 61


july 16th. today.  bella plays at the ocean with her family.
july 16th, forever, will be a treasure.  
everything beautiful in His time...


links: * a piece i wrote last year about july 16th - http://eventhesparrow843.blogspot.com/2010/07/july-16th-its-perfect.html 

* the finding note read by our guide,simon.  on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEGq6bZB06Y&feature=related

or you can access the video from videos posted on right side of blog.

  i'm somewhat challenged with all the linking stuff...